Are cloudberries healthy? Exploring the Nutritional Benefits of the 'Arctic Gold'

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Cloudberries contain up to four times as much vitamin C as oranges, a fact that historically led to their use in preventing scurvy in Arctic regions. In addition to their impressive vitamin C content, these amber-colored fruits offer a wealth of other nutrients that raise the question: Are cloudberries healthy?

Quick Summary

This article examines the extensive nutritional profile of cloudberries, highlighting their rich vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content. It details the benefits for skin health, immunity, digestion, and cardiovascular wellness, comparing them to other common berries and offering ways to incorporate them into your diet.

Key Points

Rich in Vitamin C: Cloudberries contain up to four times more vitamin C than oranges, significantly boosting immune function.
High in Antioxidants: Packed with ellagic acid, carotenoids, and flavonoids, they protect cells from damage and combat the effects of aging.
Source of Omega Fatty Acids: The seed oil contains beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, supporting heart and skin health.
Supports Digestive Health: Their high dietary fiber content aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Boosts Skin Radiance: Vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega fatty acids, help maintain skin elasticity, hydration, and a youthful glow.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient: Cloudberries are used in various forms, from jams and desserts to sauces, offering a unique tart-sweet flavor.

The cloudberry, a unique and prized fruit native to the cold, marshy regions of the Northern Hemisphere, is often referred to as 'Arctic gold'. Known for its amber hue and delicate flavor, this berry is more than just a Scandinavian delicacy; it's a nutritional powerhouse. For those on a nutrition diet, adding this superfruit can offer significant health advantages, from boosting the immune system to enhancing skin vitality.

The Rich Nutritional Profile of Cloudberries

Cloudberries are exceptionally nutrient-dense, especially when considering their harsh native growing conditions. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds that contribute to overall health. One of the most notable features is their remarkably high vitamin C content, which helps fight off infections and promotes collagen synthesis for healthy skin.

Antioxidant Protection

Beyond vitamin C, cloudberries are rich in powerful antioxidants. These include ellagic acid, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which combat cellular damage caused by free radicals. This protective effect can help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Essential Fatty Acids

Unlike most other berries, cloudberries contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are critical for brain and heart health, helping to manage cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. The omega-3 content, specifically, strengthens the skin's natural barrier, enhancing moisture retention and elasticity.

Digestive and Heart Health

The high dietary fiber in cloudberries is excellent for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in nutrient absorption. This fiber, combined with the fruit's anti-inflammatory properties, also supports cardiovascular wellness by helping to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Cloudberry vs. Other Common Berries: A Comparison

To fully appreciate the nutritional value of cloudberries, it's helpful to see how they stack up against other popular berries. The following table compares cloudberries to blueberries, highlighting some of their most notable differences.


Nutrient	Cloudberry	Blueberry
Vitamin C	Exceptionally high (up to 4x an orange)	Moderate
Omega-3s	Present in seed oil	Not significant
Iron	Richer source	Lower content
Phosphorus	Richer source (approx. 3x more)	Lower content
Fiber	High	High
Antioxidants	Rich in ellagic acid, flavonoids	Rich in anthocyanins

This comparison demonstrates that while blueberries are known for their health benefits, cloudberries offer a unique nutritional profile, particularly with their higher vitamin C, iron, and omega-3 content.

Incorporating Cloudberries into Your Diet

Given their scarcity, fresh cloudberries can be difficult to find outside their native regions. However, they are available in various processed forms, allowing you to enjoy their benefits regardless of location.

Jams and Preserves: The most common form, cloudberry jam is a staple in Scandinavian cuisine, often served with pancakes, waffles, or a type of baked cheese called leipäjuusto.
Desserts: In Norway, they are famously used to create multekrem, a traditional whipped cream dessert. They can also be a unique topping for yogurt, ice cream, or cakes.
Smoothies: Adding cloudberry purée or jam to a smoothie is an easy way to get a potent dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
Sauces and Glazes: The tart flavor makes them an excellent addition to sauces for meat dishes, such as venison, or as a glaze for baked goods.

Potential Considerations

While generally safe, it's worth noting a few things. As with any fruit, allergic reactions are possible, especially for those sensitive to other berries in the Rubus family, like raspberries. Because of their scarcity and value, products containing cloudberries can also be more expensive than those made with more common berries.

Conclusion: A Nutritious and Valuable Addition

In summary, the answer to 'are cloudberries healthy?' is a resounding yes. This Arctic superfruit is a powerful source of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, offering significant benefits for skin health, immune function, and digestion. While fresh cloudberries may be hard to come by, their availability in products like jams and purées makes it possible to incorporate this nutritious 'Arctic gold' into a healthy diet. Embracing this wild, resilient fruit can provide a unique and flavorful boost to your nutritional intake, proving its value far beyond its elusive nature.

For more detailed information on cloudberry, including its traditional uses, consider consulting sources like the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service: https://www.uaf.edu/ces/publications/database/food/cloudberries.php.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cloudberries have a complex, bittersweet flavor that is tart and tangy when fresh, with some describing a musky odor. When ripe, they can develop a creamy texture and are often sweetened in jams or desserts.

Yes, cloudberries are difficult to find fresh outside of their native Arctic and subarctic regions. They are highly sensitive to weather conditions and are primarily a wild plant, harvested by hand, which contributes to their high value and limited availability.

Yes, the unique tart flavor of cloudberries makes them suitable for savory applications. They can be incorporated into sauces or glazes to accompany dishes like venison or other game meats.

Yes, cloudberries contain vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega fatty acids that contribute significantly to skin health. They protect against environmental stressors, improve hydration, and support collagen production for a more radiant complexion.

Cloudberries are generally safe, but individuals with allergies to other berries in the same family (like raspberries or strawberries) should be cautious. Consuming them in moderation is recommended.

Cloudberries are most famously made into jams, preserves, and desserts. In Scandinavia, they are mixed with whipped cream and sugar for a festive dessert called multekrem. They can also be frozen, juiced, or used in sauces.

Cultivating cloudberries at home is challenging due to their specific environmental needs, such as cold climates and acidic, marshy soil. The plants also have separate male and female varieties, both of which are needed for pollination.